CHELSEA players have spoken so much for the thirst for revenge, you'd think each had swallowed a copy of 'The Count of Monte Cristo' ahead of tomorrow's trip to Anfield.

Sadly for Jose Mourinho, defeat in a group game of the Champions League doesn't have the same capacity to provoke the volume of tears witnessed last May.

The euphoria of victory and pain of defeat won't compare to the emotions at the final whistle four months ago.

If Chelsea believe they'll be setting the record straight by turning over Rafa Benitez's side tomorrow, clearly they're suffering delusions.

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso insists no matter what the result, deep down players of both sides recognise the stakes aren't as high.

"They may think it's about getting revenge, but even if they win, it won't be revenge," said Alonso today.

"This is a different season and a different stage of the competition. We know that no matter what happens, there are other games to come and other rounds to come. This game won't decide what happens to us for the rest of the competition.

"This is just about three points and both teams wanting to take a big step towards the next stage.

"There will still be four games to play before the end of the group stages, although we know it will be easier for us if we've got six points."

Chelsea go into the game as favourites in the eyes of most neutrals, although Alonso is ready to challenge the assertion the Premiership leaders are the most likely winners.

There are sure to be plenty of reminders to Mourinho who won the biggest honour in Europe a year ago.

"We're the European Champions and I don't think Chelsea should be considered favourites for this game," Alonso responded.

"We are at Anfield and have our supporters behind us. Although they have more league points than us at the moment and are playing well in the Premiership, they won't be coming here thinking it will be easy for them.

"I think it will be a really close game and I'm not sure if there is a favourite for this match."

Alonso had to sit out the momentous previous meetings of the two sides, joining in the frenzied atmosphere from the directors' box after a controversial booking at Stamford Bridge.

The midfielder admits he's not expecting the volume of noise to hit the decibel levels of last summer, but Chelsea can still anticipate another hostile welcome.

"I don't know if it will be possible to repeat the atmosphere against Chelsea in the semi-final. That was so loud and so unbelievable," says Alonso.

"Everyone who was there felt how good it was and will never forget it. But because it's such a big European game tomorrow, we know the fans will be behind us again and can make a difference to us."

After a mixed start to the Premiership season which has Liverpool trailing the leaders by 14 points, Alonso recognises this week's double-header could kick-start the Reds' campaign..

"We know if we win people may start looking at us in a different way. It would give us a lot of confidence," he said.

"We know we have beaten them before and we can do it, but we also know it will be difficult because we are playing a tough opponent.

"We have a lot of respect for Chelsea but we are not afraid of them.

"They are going very well this season but no side is unbeatable. We want to have another good run in the Champions League this season and repeat what we achieved last year.

"It will be difficult but we're going to take things step by step and game by game and then see how far we can go.

"We had a brilliant result against a very good Real Betis team in the first match in the group and now we're looking to build on that.

"Already we have a three-point lead over Betis and that's important for us because they are tough opposition. Now we're looking for another victory."